submitted by kundell@augsburg.edu
Senior biologist Holly Kundel was awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRFP), which provides a $34,000 stipend/three years for graduate study. Holly was among 2,000 students named NSF GRFP fellows out of 12,000 applicants. Last year Holly was named a Goldwater Scholar, a national award for top STEM undergraduate scientists. Holly has worked three summers and three academic years with Dr. Emily Schilling conducting dragonfly research, funded by donor Dean Sundquist and the M.A. Cargill Philanthropies. Holly is a co-author on three publications and presented research findings at numerous regional and national conferences. Holly will be pursuing a Master’s of Science in Fisheries and Aquatic biology at the University of MN and plans on earning a PhD in the same field.
Senior biologist Olivia Fitch was named to the Honorable Mention NSF GRFP list. Olivia has worked three summers and three academic years with Dr. Matt Beckman studying the genetic mechanism for cyclops eye development in Daphnia magna, commonly known as water fleas. Olivia also worked in both the Bee and Monarch Labs at the U of M. She presented her research multiple times, including on-campus and nationally and is working with Dr. Beckman on a manuscript for submission. Olivia will be attending Michigan State University pursuing a PhD in Integrative Biology.
Congratulations Holly and Olivia.